OWHIRO BAY WATER QUALITY UPDATE
The water quality in Owhiro Bay is being affected by a cross-connection. A cross-connection is where a wastewater pipe is connected into a stormwater pipe. Most cross-connections are from private pipes into public (council) pipes, and this is the case here. Wastewater from private properties is entering the stormwater system, which leads to Owhiro Stream, which leads to the Bay.
We are working with the property owners concerned, who were not aware of the issue, to resolve it as quickly as possible. We expect to have these sorted by the end of the week. We're also continuing our investigation and testing; it can be a mistake to think the first fault you come across will fix the problem.
If you have concerns about what you think might be a cross-connection at your place, please let us know and we'll come and take a look. Our main concern is to eliminate as many of these as we can.
Warning signs that recommend against swimming and fishing in Owhiro Bay remain in place, and will stay there until we receive three consecutive days of clear results. We will update via social media and the website when this changes.
If you have been swimming in the area and feel sick, please visit your doctor.
We will be sharing regular updates every few days on the situation in Owhiro Bay through our website and social media platforms.
Summer on the South Coast
Summer is here again! Fantastic weather beckoning all to get out and enjoy it.
So my request is, if you are cycling, running, walking on our beautiful south coast roads between Breaker Bay and Ohwiro Bay - please be courteous to all road users, even those of us stuck in cars.
The roads are scenic, but they are also narrow, with lots of blind corners. This makes it very difficult for faster moving traffic (cars) to pass slower moving traffic (cycles, walkers, runners). On a bad day this can result in frustrated cars making rash decisions to overtake - putting everyone in danger.
If you are enjoying the coast road on a cycle, and there are cars behind you, please do be considerate and pull over when you have a chance so that they can pass. "Hugging the left" does not really help on a narrow road with blindspots. Stopping is ideal.
If you are enjoying coast on foot, please be conscious of visibility and stay off the road where possible.
If you are enjoying the coast in a car, please be courteous to others - good will spreads, unfortunately so does selfishness.
Lastly - everyone watch out for penguins, they were here first but they don't read Neighbourly or road signs.
Happy and Safe summer everyone.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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75.7% Yes
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22.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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